CAPMIN warns that new mining scale will require alliances and financing

The anticipated growth in Argentine mining could expand the participation of domestic companies in the value chain, although it also poses challenges linked to the scale of new projects. For Manuel Benítez, president of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Suppliers (CAPMIN), suppliers must strengthen their production capacity and standards to meet that demand.

The expansion of copper, lithium, gold and other critical minerals projects combines increased international demand with the availability of resources in the country. In this scenario, Argentine industry and services could capture a significant portion of investments and operational activity associated with mining operations.

According to estimates mentioned by Benítez, during mine construction, goods, works and services contracted to third parties can represent between 80% and 85% of the investment. In the operation stage, supplier participation would be between 45% and 60% of operating costs.

The CAPMIN leader noted that project scale may exceed the individual capacity of some companies. For this reason, he considered it necessary to promote alliances among Argentine firms, with greater coordination between companies from different provinces and levels of the mining chain.

Access to financing emerges as another decisive factor for expanding facilities, incorporating technology and meeting the requirements of larger-scale projects. This is compounded by costs and the need to compete with foreign suppliers who already have international experience and capacity.

The chamber also seeks to deepen the incorporation of new companies into the sector and strengthen ties with the Argentine Industrial Union. The goal is for mining project development to translate into more local industrial activity and services, with suppliers prepared to meet growing demand.